RJO Donates More Than $6,000 to JFC

The Retail Jewelers Organization (RJO) has donated $6,300 to Jewelers for Children. Funds were raised at charity events held during the RJO fall buying show in Covington, Ky., July 24-27.

A portion of the funds came from a silent auction. Members bid on a variety of donated items, including jewelry, vacation packages, and golf bags. The auction winner was announced Sunday evening during a dinner reception.

During the second contest, RJO members could buy a glass of champagne for $5, which included a small jewelry bag that contained either a quarter-carat diamond or a cubic zirconium. Out of 490 bags given with champagne purchases, 11 contained diamonds.

Jewelers for Children is one of the largest charities in the industry, contributing to the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

RJO, the nation’s oldest jewelry buying group, was formed 38 years ago and has grown from its original seven members to more than 700 members. The organization offers a program of marketing support, networking, industry education, and advertising for its members.